The Craps table is the loudest and most exciting place in the casino, but it is also the most mathematically complex. With dozens of different bets—some paying “True Odds” and others taking a 5% commission—it is easy to get shortchanged if you don’t know the math.
Our Craps Payout Calculator removes the guesswork. Whether you are placing the 6 and 8, buying the 4 and 10, or throwing chips on a Horn High Yo, this tool calculates your exact Net Profit, warns you about “Improper Bets” (breakage), and shows you the House Edge for every wager.
Craps Payout Calculator
How to Use the Calculator
This tool mimics the logic of a Stickman and Boxman to give you precise figures. Here is how to configure your bet:
- Select Bet Type:
- Main Bets: Pass Line, Don’t Pass, and the “Free Odds” (which pay zero house edge).
- Point Numbers: Place Bets, Buy Bets (Vig on Win), and Lay Bets.
- Props: One-roll bets like “Any 7,” “Yo (11),” or “Hardways.”
- Choose the Number: For Place/Buy bets, select the point (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10).
- Enter Bet Amount: Input your wager size.
- Important: Watch for the ⚠️ Improper Bet Warning. If you bet $5 on the 6, the calculator will warn you that the casino will round your payout down.
- Analyze the Returns:
- Casino Payout: What the dealer actually gives you.
- True Odds: What the math says you should win in a fair game. The difference between these two numbers is the House Edge.
Related Tools: Craps is a game of streaks. To see how variance affects your bankroll over a long session, use our Risk of Ruin Calculator. If you want to optimize your bet sizing based on your edge, check the Kelly Criterion Calculator.
Real-World Examples: The Math of the Felt
Why do experienced players avoid certain bets? The numbers tell the story.
Example 1: The “Improper” Place Bet
You bet $5 on the 6. The true payout ratio is 7:6.
- The Math: $5 × (7/6) = $5.83.
- The Payout: Casinos do not deal in coins. They round down. You get paid only $5.00.
- The Fix: Our calculator warns you to increase your bet to a multiple of $6 (e.g., $6, $12, $30) to get the full payout.
Example 2: The Buy Bet Commission (Vig)
You bet $20 on the 4 and choose to “Buy” it.
- True Odds: The 4 pays 2:1. Your gross win is $40.
- The Commission: The casino charges a 5% “Vig” on the win amount. $40 × 0.05 = $2.
- Net Profit: You take home $38. The calculator automatically deducts this fee to show your true earnings.
Example 3: The Horn Bet
You bet $10 on “Any Craps” (2, 3, 12).
- Payout: 7:1. You win $70.
- The House Edge: While the payout looks high, the true odds are 8:1. The house edge is a massive 11.11%. This is why “Prop Bets” drain bankrolls quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between “Place” and “Buy” bets?
A Place Bet pays fixed odds (e.g., 9:5 for the 4). A Buy Bet pays “True Odds” (2:1 for the 4) but charges a 5% commission on your winnings. Generally, you should “Buy” the 4 and 10 if betting $20 or more, but stick to “Place” bets for the 6 and 8.
What are “True Odds” in Craps?
True Odds represent the mathematical probability of a number rolling. For example, there are 6 ways to roll a 7 and 3 ways to roll a 4. The odds are 6:3, or 2:1. The “Odds Bet” (taken behind the Pass Line) is the only bet in the casino that pays True Odds, meaning it has a 0% House Edge.
What happens if I bet an odd amount on the 6 or 8?
This is called an “Improper Bet.” The casino will pay you “Even Money” (1:1) instead of the correct 7:6 ratio. Over time, this drastically increases the House Edge against you. Always bet the 6 and 8 in increments of $6.